Advanced

Advanced

We're here with a tut asteroid astrology, basically the Named Asteroids, what they are and how we can use them in our charts.

Here is a quick Youtube tutorial to get you started, or refreshed.

What is Asteroid Astrology?

There are hundreds of thousands of asteroids, more named every day. They are found between the Sun and Earth, Venus and Jupiter, and Saturn and Neptune. Then there are the KBO’s beyond Pluto and now, with the discovery of Sedna, possibly myriad more Ort Could objects taking over a thousand years to orbit the sun. If we plot them all in the natal chart, it would be filled in, blacked out.

Not recommended.

The trick of working with asteroids, especially the 'name' asteroids is to be selective.

You want to choose those significant to the immediate question or investigation. If you're looking at relationship, for example, asteroid Eros, Psyche, Amor, Sappho, Cupido and Adonis are interesting to added, and others as well. And the 'name' of your beloved, or cute-curious new meet. You can use thir first name, surname or nickname.

Tips for studying Asteroid Astrology

Don't worry about spelling. If you are looking for Aaron but can only fine Aaryn 2366, go with the closest SOUND.

Stick to topic. Is it career, financial, love or family related? Sports or health. Decide, then check names.

Use generous orbs, but know the really tight ones, 0 - 1.5 degrees, are making the strongest statement.

Consider them by house and aspect first, then sign. I've found house placements real eye openers.

Transits count. Check where an important name (person) is transiting your chart today.

How do you read them?

Mostly they will show up as red flags, highlighters of talents, connection, or indications of interest.

With the mythic names, for example, if Hephaestus is conjunct the Sun, there could be an interest in craft, black-smithing and working with hand tools. If asteroid Shakespeare is conjunct the fifth house cups, work in the theater, play-writing or acting could be a form of creative expression. Hygiea conjunct the Moon could indicate working in women’s health. Icarus to Mercury might write or defend freedom of speech.

If your new love interest's name is conjunct the Sun, she/he might feel like a golden ray of light. Conjunct your Saturn and you might be wondering if they are ever away from work long enough to connect. Considering a new business partner? Put their name asteroid in your chart (and check by transit and progression) for hints on where they meet you. Is it 10th house biz, 11th house group collaboration, 6th house mind-body-spirit, 12th house mystery or maybe secrecy?

How to find these name asteroids in your chart?

Go to Astro.com and click on your natal chart.

Scroll down to Extended Chart Selection.

Scroll down to Asteroid name/number.

Check the box of the asteroids you want to see in your natal chart.

Exit list and 'click to show the chart'.

Examples of Asteroid Astrology in Action

Below is a quick example of the name asteroid Briggs in my natal chart, conjunct Mercury and in the 10th. This is the name of a man I married. We met on the job and had a very verbal, student-teacher dynamic (I was not the teacher at that point in time). Briggs is also the surname of my son who I have collaborated with on both music production projects and novels.

Also interesting in the above, asteroid Jason is conjunct the sun and I will say I've have more than my fair share of energy with that name in this lifetime!

Give it a go in your own natal chart, or any celeb etc you want to play with (like where the name asteroids fall for those the asteroid was named for.)

Questions and insights welcome in the comments.

See you there.

xxKimmy

PS. Another way to do it is go to the online Asteroid Ephemeris and type in your favorites as transits (the day's date) or on your birthday (for the natal positions) and then plot them in your chart.

The Marduk dragon – restored Ishtar Gate at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin

Hi Everyone, this is one of my favorite astro-techniques, straight from ancient times!

Welcome to the world of the Draconic Zodiac

Get ready to be blown away because this is a rich and magical aspect of astrology. Not many astrologers use it in modern times, but I find it extremely valuable.

The word ‘Draconic’ is from the Latin ‘ draconem’ (nom. draco) “serpent, dragon,” from the Greek drakon (gen. drakontos) meaning “serpent, seafish.” In astrology, the Caput Draconis is the ‘Dragon’s head’ or North Lunar Node and the Cauda Draconis is the ‘Dragon’s tail’ or South Lunar Node. The Draconic chart, or Draco/Draconic Zodiac then, is another reference system for plotting the chart but instead of starting 0 degrees Aries at the vernal equinox as the familiar Tropical Zodiac does (the one we use in Western Astrology and is calculated at astro.com etc), The Draco Chart begins 0 Aries at the Moon’s North Node.

Hang on! It’s not a complex as it sounds!

It just means that instead of the node being at the particular degree you’re accustomed to seeing it, it is ‘dialed back’ to 0 degrees of Aries. The planets all stay in the same houses and have the same angular relationship (aspects) to each other as in the tropical zodiac (T) charts but the signs and degrees are altered. Here is an example.

Tropical Zodiac transit chart for December 6, 2007. Notice that the North Lunar Node is at 1 degree Pisces 27′ Rx:

Read this to create your Draconic chart by hand

This will help you fully understand how this ‘other zodiac’ is determined. Or skip on to the next Para if you simply want to trust the ancients philosophy here.

To find YOUR Draconic chart, you can subtract the North Node in degrees of longitude from 360 and and add the difference to all the planets and house cusps. In the case above, the North node is 1 Pi 27 which (rounded) translates into 331 degrees of absolute longitude. Subtract that from the full circle, [360-331=29]. Add [29] degrees to every planet, point and angle and you have the Draconic coordinates. For example, the Sun in the tropical chart above is 13 degrees Sagittarius. We add [29] degrees to it [13 Sag + 29 = 42 (-30) or 12 degrees of Capricorn.

Read Below to get the Computer Version

For those not wanting to learn the basis for this zodiac yet, you can go Astro.com and choose Extended Chart Selection, then click the Natal Chart drop-down option and click Draconic Chart.

Below is the Draconic Chart for the exact same moment as the tropical zodiac chart above. All the planets are in the same position by house and aspect but the signs have shifted the exact number of degrees the North Nodes was away from 0 Aries.

How do we read the Draco Zodiac Chart?

Like the North Node, the Draconic chart says something about where we are headed, if we chose to reach out, and also like the South Node, it says something about where we have been, what’s comforting, familiar and secure. Some think of the Draco chart as as the “purpose” behind the soul’s intention and link it to a sense of destiny or fate.

I like to think of the natal Draconic chart as a layer of “soul fabric” that lies underneath the outward personality. You can’t see it unless you look deep. Like the silk lining of a jacket, we never think about it being there and it never fully shows, yet it is a substance that makes the wearing of the coat more comfortable—a better fit—and when the breeze flips up an edge and we get a glimpse of that contrasting color and silky texture, we go “ahhh”.

The Draconic chart is something like that.

In this metaphor there is no “blending.” The Draconic chart is not woven into the natal chart like a tweed. It is the satin underneath, distinct and of its own, usually different, nature.

NOTE:

If you were born in 1950, 1969, 1987, 2006, check that your Node is exactly 0 Aries. If so, then your Tropical and Draconic charts will be identical, suggesting that your soul fabric is a perfect match to this lifetime’s expression.

Consider the Draconic chart and it’s relationship to the NODES. In the Draco system, the North Lunar Node is ALWAYS Zero Aries and the South Lunar Node is always 0 Libra. This is a major hint as to the meaning and purpose of the chart.

The Nodes, which have so much to do with unconscious patterns from the past and new conscious directions towards the future, are the points in the chart that say “This is where you have been and what is comfortable (South) and this is what you can experience if you reach out into the new and unexplored (North). Life is a balance between the two and the Draconic chart resonates with this theme—where we’ve been and where we are going. Remember, everyone has the SAME nodes in their Draco Chart. That is a KEY to understanding the principles at work.

To top it off, the Lunar Nodes in the Draconic chart are ALWAYS on the Zero degree Aries point! Talk about destiny meeting intention! (North Node on the AP)

Working with the Draconic Zodiac Chart

North Node as the first degree of Aries, suggests how our “will to be”, or sense of I AM, moves out from the subjective and into manifest reality. The Node here gives everyone an incredible sense of self-assertion and WILL to move forward, IF they choose to develop it.

South Node as the first degree of Libra says, “I relate”, showing how our drive to interact with others in socially significant ways moves from our inner world and out towards other individuals. Because it is “from the past” it can indicate a feeling of too much reliance on “what others think” or letting others do things for us, or even run our lives. In this Libra – Aries polarity we have to make our own decisions and find how growth comes form our own experiences and adds to our capacity to relate.

In the Draco chart, there is no “sitting on the fence” or hesitating about “what to do” if we want to seek our destiny, and any aspects to the natal chart can be quite instructional. Remember, the ONLY thing different in the Draco chart is the signs of the house cusps and the signs of the planets. This tells us about an underlying orientation that we have, but may not always see.

Working with the Draconic Zodiac

There are two main ways to work with the Draconic Natal Chart. It can be read as a stand alone, checking the difference between the orientation of the signs (element, polarity and modality) in the natal chart, and it can also be read in aspect to the natal chart. The fist technique is works best if you compare the two Zodiacs planet by planet, cusp by cusp. For example if the Natal chart has the sun at 2 degrees of Gemini in the 10th house, we might say there is a need to communicate widely and knowledgeably in ones chosen profession–to feel distinct, this person needs to shine before the public in a sharp, dynamic, witty way. If the Draconic sun is there (it will always have the same house position and aspects) in the sign of Capricorn, there may be an underlying need for that public recognition to reap tangible results–something Gemini alone is not too concerned with. It also amps ambition. Going through all the planets and angles in this way brings insights.

The second technique is a way of comparing aspects between planets and points otherwise not revealed. The measurement, remember, is the distance of any planet from the North Lunar Node. If, for example, the original natal chart has the Moon 32 degrees ahead of the North Node and the Draconic Chart has Saturn at 2 degrees of Taurus (32 degrees ahead of the Draconic North Lunar Node or 0 Aries) there is a conjunction between the Moon and Saturn that otherwise would not have been obviousd. This can explain much in charts were there is no original aspect between planets but a powerful conjunction in the Draco to Tropical charts.

Below is an example of a natal chart (inner wheel) with the Draconic chart placed around the outside as you might place transits or progressions. Here many contacts are seen that are not apparent by the natal alone. (D) Saturn is conjunct (T) Mercury and Venus, (D) Pluto is conjunct (T) South Node, (D) Uranus is conjunct (T) Chiron, and (D) Jupiter is conjunct (T) Part of Fortune.

With this kind of comparison it is best to keep orbs tight. Look particularly at conjunctions and/or oppositions within 0 – 2 degrees of orb. Remember, all the planetary aspects in each chart are identical. What is going to be interesting is how the Draco chart relates back to the natal. More examples are in the tutorial below.

The main thing to keep in mind is that there are TWO zodiacs in play here.

Draconic Zodiac Chart Synastry

Synastry describes the technique of comparing the natal or progressed charts of two or more people. It literally means ‘stars in the same place’ such as when one person’s Sun is conjunct another person’s Moon. All aspects between the two charts are important, the angle, or type of aspect, being less relevant than the actual link. Each planet contact brings its own symbolism to life in a relationship and evaluating them in synastry charts can supply information as to the needs, purpose and desires that are awakened when two people meet, connect and interact.

People are like permanent transits. When you meet someone who has their natal Jupiter conjunct your natal Sun, it’s like having Jupiter on the Sun whenever they are around! This is an easy contact to spot when comparing the tropical zodiac natal charts but they many also have their Draconic Pluto on your Mars, and that might feel a little different. It might also go a long way in explaining some intense dynamics in the relationship that might not otherwise be obvious.

There are several ways of using the Draconic zodiac in relationship comparisons. You can look at Draconic to Draconic or Draconic to Tropical natal or progressed charts. In this way, there may be connections under the surface that aren’t obvious in the Tropical Zodiac charts but make a lot of sense when they show up in the Draco. Here is one example:

Examples

In this chart the (T) Mars of one person is conjunct the (D) Mars of the other. There is no Mars aspect in the tropical synastry and the feisty, sexy, battle & banter nature of the union is well explained by looking at the Draconic links. There is also a Jupiter/Mercury/Venus contact not see in the Tropical charts alone, and boy can these two talk!

Another method is to make a composite (midpoint) chart of the Draconic natal’s. This may be very different than the tropical composite and progressed composite charts, shedding new light on the purpose and energy of the relationship. Some useful exercises for reading these charts will follow in the tutorial below. Draconic Transits

Transits to the natal Tropical chart from Draconic positions can be insightful as can the reverse–Tropical transits to the Draconic Natal. Again it may be most instructional to keep orbs tight, within a few degrees, and focus primarily on the conjunction and opposition, at least to begin with.

Transits of any kind are often associated with outer events. Although this may be an accurate association, the initial effect is usually an inner one. Some part of the psyche, some interior figure or archetype, awakens. Concurrent with the nature of the transit, house and sign position, once awake it generally starts looking around for recognition. That means it looks for a crown, a throne and lots of patronage. If the recognition is readily forthcoming and conscious awareness is placed on the needs, desires and offerings of the figure, what it represents can transform into what we consciously express without a hint of an outer event. We simple add the new aspect of being into the multiplicity of ourselves.

If, on the other hand, the needs and wants of the figure are denied by consciousness, we will meet them outside ourselves. Jung said “We people our lives with bits or ourselves,” and what we deny inwardly we bump into in the daily life as a person, place or thing. In this case, the event can be disruptive. This disruption, (or exhilaration), insures acknowledgement of the waking archetype, one way or another.

Summary

To sum it up, remember, the entire chart needs to be considered when evaluating Draconic Zodiac transits. Those, and the other major and minor Tropical transits and progressions. for example, if there is a Saturn transit to the Sun with a Draco Jupiter transit to the Nodes, the Draconic transit may be less prominent. If there is a transit to the Draconic Moon and a Tropical New moon conjunct the Ascendant, the impact can be far greater regardless of the outer planet transits. Draconic lunar events can also be considered as a “timing” device like Mercury, suggesting when major transits may manifest in an inner or outer event.

How to get started reading Draconic Zodiac Charts

Step One: Construct your natal Draconic Chart by using a computer program or by subtracting the North Lunar Node in degrees of longitude from 360 and then adding that figure to all the planets and house cusps.

Step Two: Start a page with columns. On the left, list all your planets out from the Moon, Sun etc to Pluto (include Chiron and any asteroids you like) It would start for example, like this:

1.223′

Step Three: Add a few key words to describe the ORIENTATION of each planet in that sign. Focus mainly on what it “Wants, Needs and has to offer.” You can be as brief or elaborate as you like.

1.223′ – Loves communication, offers curiosity.

Step Four: In the right hand column, place the Draco sign and degree and its orientation. Focus also on “Wants, Needs and has to offer.” It might look like this:

1a.Tropical223′ – Loves communication, offers curiosity.

1b. Draconic1525′ – Loves deep feelings, offers sensitivity.

Continue on with this until all your planets are listed. You can actually SEE the difference in orientation by polarity, element and modality. The Draco positions say something about that silk lining, what is underneath your tropical needs and orientation. Remember: This doesn’t negate your tropical chart or BLEND meaning. It ADDS a new dimension.

You can expand on this by comparing transits, progressions and synastry placements to other people as well.

Step Five: Do the same exercise above using your Tropical house cusps in the left hand column and your Draconic house cusps in the right. It might look like this:

1a.Tropical ASC. 10 34′ – Initiates in unique ways, zany energy.

1b.Draconic ASC 29 12′ – Initiates after much analysis, quick mind.

Continue this through all 12 houses, focusing on the needs of the signs as they apply to the qualities of each house. You can take this further by considering the rulers of each sign on each cusp and were they fall in both the Tropical and Draconic chart. In the example above, the (t) Asc is ruled by Saturn and Uranus where as the (d) Asc is ruled by Mercury.

These above exercises are a great way to become familiar, step by step with your Draconic Chart.

Step Six: Find any aspects (look for the conjunctions and oppositions first) between the natal Tropical placements and the Draconic. As in the chart example above, consider the conjunction between (d) Saturn and (t) Mercury/Venus. How does that make the natal chart different? What is underneath the Mercury/Venus conjunction that was not obvious before?

Homework

Now, approach this at the level you feel comfortable. You might want to run your Draco chart and compare the sun sign, Moon and Ascendant. That’s plenty to start with. Others of you will go through the whole tutorial. It’s all good. My goal here is to inform you of this other zodiac, and give you the tools to get started.

What is the ZERO Degree Aries Point? The Aries point, or vernal equinox in the tropical zodiac, is a NODE. It marks the place where the sun crosses the equatorial plain going north. Think of it as a Sun/earth node, as opposed to the Lunar nodes which involve the Sun/earth/Moon).

In the Uranian system, the Aries Point, or AP, also links to zero degrees of all the cardinal signs (as seen on a 90 degree dial). Every chart—natal, progressed or horary—has the AP at exactly the same zero degrees, yet each chart will be unique as far as the house placement of this degree and the planets and other points that relate to it. Think of the AP as a 0 degree cardinal cross involving Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

What is the significance of the AP?

The AP represents a movement (cardinal) from an inner quality to an outer manifestation. It orients us towards the world at large—society, public events and all relationships propelled from the individual to the collective. Sometimes it represents a "spectacular out rush of energies... and involvement with the world at large" Celest Teal

The AP also seems to relate to meetings with those famous, respected or expert in their field.

As the first degree of Aries, this point suggest how our “will to be”, or sense of I AM, moves out from the subjective and into manifest reality.

As the first Degree of Cancer, this point suggest how our need to love and nurture, our sense of “I Feel”, moves from the subjective into the world.

As the first degree of Libra, this placement says, “I relate”, suggesting how our drive to interact with others in socially significant ways moves from our inner world and out towards other individuals.

As the first degree of Capricorn, this placement says, “I produce”, suggesting how our urge to bring tangible results moves from “self” to society as a whole.

Isabel Hickey said that it the AP is the initial point where the spirit incarnates, the starting point of the SELF. By house and aspect contact, the AP indicates how we project out into the public, meeting life in distinct ways that the collective recognizes, acknowledges (or judges) and remembers us by.What does it mean if a planet or point conjuncts the AP?

Don McBroom calls the AP the “Power behind dominant traits and public projection. He says, “…the AP can be an indicator of an individual's Potential for Public Projection. Often this measurement was uncannily related to the person's claim to fame or for what they will be remembered. When there was direct contact between a specific Planet or Point (i.e. Ascendant or Midheaven) and the AP (within a two-degree orb), there was frequently a distinguishable relationship with the energies traditionally associated with that planet that was publicly observable in the individual.”

When a planet or point conjuncts the AP the nature and energy drive of that planet has the added thrust or urge to express collectively. It may also represent what the public at large recognize most readily in us, or remember us for.

Sun-AP Can mean our energy, vitality and drive seeks to express through society. People see us for our solar qualities and we propel our creative drive into the collective. The famous individual.

Moon-AP Suggests that our inner world of feelings, reflections and intuition expresses in public ways, and these qualities are noticed by the collective. The famous psychic.

Mercury-AP Can mean our intellect, thoughts and ways of communicating capture the public eye. We are recognized as being witty, bright, mercurial, and clever. The famous writer.

Venus-AP Can mean our sensual, accommodating ability to connect and bond with others moves out into a greater social arena. People see us for our capricious, artistic and ingratiating qualities. The famous artist.

Eros-AP Suggests our passionate desire for erotic transformation is noticed by the collective. People see our potent energy as tantalizing or threatening, according to their own views. The famous courtesan.

Mars-AP Suggests our assertive, direct and action oriented qualities grab the attention of society. We are seen as commanding, raw and imposing. The famous warrior.

Jupiter-AP Can mean our leadership qualities, expansiveness, optimism and call for justice capture the attention of the collective. We are seen for our vision, immensity, and joviality. The famous world leader.

Saturn-AP Suggests our ability to build tangible results through persistent and sustained effort is highlighted by public acclaim. We are seen for our ambition, caution and pragmatic detail. The famous corporate director.

Chiron-AP suggests renown for our ability to teach, understand, strive for the impossible and restore compassion. We are seen as a healer for those who have lost faith or are in despair. The famous Guru.

Uranus-AP suggests our ability to make sudden changes, rebel against dogmatic convictions and break out of the safety zone is noticed by society. We are seen as surprising, inventive and inspiring. The famous revolutionary.

Neptune-AP The longing for the divine and the desire to merge with the collective unconscious is captured by the projection of society. We are seen as the public want to see us. The famous movie star.

Pluto-AP The ruthless drive for power and control is noticed socially as it wrestles with the need to plumb the depths of the unconscious mind. We are seen for our potent qualities, the dark hero who can be transformed. The famous eccentric.

Ascendant-AP Being known for personality traits and interactions in the world. Having famous friends!

Midheaven-AP Known for social achievement through career, mission or profession. Working with famous people!

North Node-AP Being known for following the path to the future. Having a famous guide!

South Node-AP Being known for redeeming the path of the past. Being a guide to others.

What Orb is used with the AP?

Orbs are always controversial. Some astrologers use a 2 degree orb, allowing anything from 28 degrees of the mutable signs to 2 degrees of the Cardinal. I use a little tighter, say 1.5 degrees either way. As in all things, if it acts like it is in orb, then it probably is! Still, the idea here is to keep it tight.

How is the AP different from the MC and the Asc?

The ASCENDANT describes the way we put ourselves out into the world: “Hey, this is my personality! This is how I initiate things and assert myself. This is how I look.” Isabel Hickey said the Ascendant was the window through which we view the world and that seems to work both ways. It is often the way the world sees us, on a PERSONAL level. Think of Aries as the natural ruler of the Ascendant and first house with its emphasis on personal self-awareness. This is Me, Here Now!

The MIDHEAVEN is not personal, like the Ascendant. It is public. It has to do with our social standing, career in life, mission or profession. Now, instead of personal appearances (Asc.) we are in the realm of PUBLIC APPEARANCES. This is our social identity and often reflects how we interact with “the public” or the collective. The Asc. is individual identity, the MC is social identity. Think of Capricorn as natural ruler of the MC with the Sea-goat’s ambitious, pragmatic (and sometimes mystic), social awareness.

The Ascendant is always that moment of ascension, and the MC is a moment of culmination. The AP, however, can occur anywhere in the 365 degrees! It is always 0 Aries but where it falls is unique to us (if we know our birth time!)

By contrast to the Asc and MC, the AP is a solar node. It’s energy is about INSTIGATION, beginnings, and action, not in terms of personal needs and drives or even for career or profession, but for Solar manifestation and distinction.

It is not so much how you see the world or leap (or tip toe) into activity (Ascendant) and not so much what you will encounter and express as you pursue your social ambitions or mission in life (MC). The AP isn’t so much how we interact with society (MC) but how and WILL the world see us! It can indicate the relative “fame” of an individual (or infamy) and how society at large or world events may effect our lives.

We are not all touched equally by these kinds of things! The AP has to do with who, or what, in society, we notice and, like the two way window of the Asc., who or what will notice us. According to the Uranian School, the AP is also our concept of the world, people in the public life and our approach to manifest reality!

What about the house(s) where the AP is found?

The AP is literally, and symbolically, the point where the spirit (SUN) enters manifest reality (EARTH). For everyone, that is an ARIES thing (or a cardinal thing: action, initiation, inauguration). WHERE that initiation of spirit into matter occurs, is what becomes important. What house is it in? What area of life will evoke the feeling of connection to and action with the collective? The answer here tells us where it is we “begin” in relationship to the world at large.

What about midpoints that include the AP?

The authors of "Working with Astrology" state that the Aries Point and the midpoints to it were considered by Alfred Witte to be of great importance in every chart, and next in importance only to the MC.(page 437). For Robert Hand the Aries Point, which was used by the Greeks and also in the beginnings of our modern horoscopic astrology, is very subtle. “It isn´t an energy supply like a real planet but it is considered like the last one because it forms aspects and it can be the focus for the combinations of midpoints”.(Horoscope Symbols", Robert Hand)

The AP is the connection to the world in general, our link to manifest reality. To unravel what this means, look at the CLOSEST planet or mid-point between 28 degrees of mutable and 2 degrees of cardinal signs in your chart. What would that be? What does that say about your relationship to society? How do they see you?

What about Transits or progressions to the AP?

Transits to the AP awaken the way and means of projection out into the collective, tending to indicate events more public than private, more famous than obscure.To unravel the meaning of transits to the AP, start by observing the planets, asteroids or points that are transiting. What dose that transit want to wake up? What does it need? What does it have to offer? Answers to these questions will help in understanding what the AP means in practical terms, and how that applies to the immediate moment.

Quick Review and summary

Not sure how to find the Aries Point in your chart? Here are the quick step tutorials to get you there!

Chart of the character James Bond with the Zero degree Aries Point highlighted in the 7th house

3) Look for the Aries glyph - and remember the signs run counter clockwise around the chart. In the case of James Bond, on the right, 8 Aries rules (sits on) the 8th house cusp, so we go back 8 degrees into the 7th house to find 0 Aries (8-8 = 0)

Where you find 0 Aries, you want to take positive action from within. Amp up your physical and mental activities, be the boss, lead the way and nurture (respect) your inner warrior. For bond, this would probably mean facing ‘open enemies’ or taking over direction in a partnership.

Let’s jump in straight in with a few key points on the ancient practice of medical astrology.

The Zodiac in Medical Astrology

Each sign links to a particular part of the body, starting with Aries ruling the head and ending with Pisces ruling the feet. Although focus can be placed on powerful health indicators like the Sun, sixth house and the Ascendant alone, it helps to remember that we all have the twelve signs of the zodiac in our charts. By looking at the houses and their associated signs from a health perspective, we can learn about our needs for vitality, and genuine expression in the various areas of life.

This approach can answer questions about how best to strengthen and nourish our natural energies as we acknowledge each sign according to house position. Understanding what it means to have Aries in the fourth house, as opposed to Taurus there, can lead to a more fulfilling home life, and quite possibly the reduction of any unexplained fevers or headaches. Discovering the difference between Capricorn on the Ascendant as opposed to Gemini can initiate a more creative access to the outer world, and minimize chronic lethargy, depression or problems with the knees and joints.

Looking closely at the signs around the horoscope and how they currently express is one way to ascertain what is not right in life and make meaningful adjustments that lead to a greater sense of well being. By honoring the individual needs of the signs through the houses, the door opens to natural vigor, energy flow and zest for life. Think of it as your own, personal feng shui for well being.

Remember, we are looking at the body and any “dis-ease” or lack of balance as a message, not a diagnosis. Use astrology to approach health in a more holistic way.

Examples

For example, the sign Cancer/Kataka rules the stomach. This water sign has to do with making connections, feeling nurtured and ‘needed’ by others. If my stomach is upset, my nurturing life may be out of balance. With that knowledge I can start to ask the right questions such as, “Am I feeling loved. Am I looking after myself?” Particularly, I look to the HOUSE ruled by Cancer/Kataka. Am I giving and receiving love and nurturing there? In my own chart, it’s the 11th house so I might ask if I’m feeling loved by friends, or if I am in groups that resonate as my clan or tribe. In this way, tummy trouble helps me look at my life in a new way. The alternative is to take an antacid and hope for the best.

Another good example is a headache. The head is ruled by Aries, the sign of independence and action. Aries likes to initiate projects, start the ball rolling and above all, be the boss. If I get a headache I ask, where am I not being independent and assertive in my life? Where have I taken a subordinate role when really I want to be top dog? I look at the house ruled by Aries to suggest where I really need to be the boss. I can assert my healthy aggression there, or I can take an aspirin. You see how this work?

If we treat aches and pains and even life threatening diseases like spam and ‘bulk delete/treat’ without reading the message, a great opportunity for true well being is missed. Knowing the medicinal zodiac can help highlight were in the chart (in the life) something has gotten out of balance and how honoring the sign ruling that house can be restorative.

Again, Medical Astrology is informative and fascinating, but never a substitute for proper self care and medical attention where appropriate.

Ready to explore the amazing branch of astrology known as electional charts?

To get started with this different way of viewing a chart, realize first that it’s still a BIRTH chart, just not of a human being. It’s the birth of a relationship, idea, project or business. Working with these “electional” or Origin/first meet charts can be surprisingly insightful, and revealing.

Quick Definitions:

Horary Charts – A horoscope drawn the moment a burning questions is asked. Use the time, date and place of the astrologer, the moment THEY hear (or read) the question.

Electional Charts – A horoscope drawn for the best time to take a desired action. Use the time/date and place of the planned event/signing, ceremony, launch.

First Meet/Genesis/Origin Charts – A horoscope drawn for the moment of the first meet/date/brainstorm/idea. Here we use the time/date and place of the ppl involved. If it’s face, the “birth place” is clear. If it’s an online “first meet” there are two charts, each with their own local date/time/place.

Once the chart is created (on astro.com for free or with your own fav astro software), the fun begins. Here are the basic tools you will need to read an election/origin chart:

A firm understanding of planetary dignities and rulerships, signs, houses, planets and aspects

Objectivity

Non-judgement

Numbers 2 & 3 are very important as much of the old literature on reading electionals, horary and first-meet charts is black and white, good and bad where in reality, we make of the energy what we will. Keep an open mind. If Mars square Uranus falls in the 10th and 7th, it doesn’t mean that the new biz partnership is doomed. You do want to be aware of the kind of approach required, as in not trying to control and manhandle but putting a lot of innovation and empowerment into everything you do together.

How Electional charts work – Like attracts like

We aren’t the way we are because of our birth data. Turn it around. We are born at a particular time because of who we are, and the same holds true for our ideas, our partnerships, our events and ceremonies. None of us come here with a clean slate. We have core values, beliefs, likes and dislikes from ‘before’, and so does anything that has a ‘beginning’ in manifest reality.

Law of Attraction says ‘like attracts like’. Everything in our lives is in alignment with our energy, our vibration. We get what we vibrate, which holds true for book launches, festivals, weddings, dates and brainstorm sessions. Astrology is not in contradiction to this notion. People, places, questions and ideas are born when they are (the sun, moon, and planets in a certain place) because that moment in time is a perfect match to WHAT they are.

How do we read electional charts?

In many ways, we read these charts just like a person’s natal. Working with electional and origin charts are great practice for honing your delineation skills including:

Rulerships – For a very basic tutorial on this, go HERE. If you just need a chart of the rulerships to brush up, see below. We use rulerships to identify the state and action of the relationships/meet-up/event. For example, if Sagittarius is rising in a first-meet chart, we know that Jupiter Rules the moment. We look at where and how Jupiter is placed to learn more about what the connection is all about.

Dignitaries – Not all planets are equally well disposed in each sign. They have their favorites and their challenges. Here is a chart of the classical dignitaries.

In some signs, the power of a planet (energy) is able to flow without any kinks because it is in a natural alignment with that sign. In other signs, it is more convoluted, because the energy of the planet is contrasting or a resistant to the nature of the sign.

Ruler – Planets in the signs they rule are like being on easy street for expression. Home. Empowered.

Detriment – Planets in the opposite sign to the one they rule are in the ‘shadow’ sign, or ‘contrast/detriment’ or ‘resistance’. Their power is not as free flowing because the sign is not aligned to their mode of expression (put a warrior in a tutu . . .Mars in Libra, or put Saturn, a corporate executive, in a pre-school teacher’ outfit). The ‘detriment’ or shadow sign is always opposite to the sign the planet rules.

Exaltation – Every planet has one sign other than the rulership sign, that it expresses completely freely in – that is the sign of the exaltation. (Saturn exalted in Libra, Mars exalted in Capricorn)

Fall – The opposite sign of the exaltation is the ‘fall’ or give . . . this shadow sign is also a contrast to the easy alignment, and through contrast, we grow in experience, gain self awareness and become more self-aware. Fulfilled.

A planet in the sign of his rulership is like a person entertaining in their own house. They feel at easy. natural and in control. In Detriment or Fall, it’s like entertaining in another person’s house – not able to do as exactly they please.

Other things to check in the electional/first-meet chart is the Moon and her “applying” aspects. They show the actions that come next. Also note the house position of the moon and the lunar phase (the aspect to the sun). The moon is considered the co-ruler of the chart, along with the Ascendant ruler so we put a strong focus there. Also we look at mutual receptions, and maybe Arabic Parts and some fixed stars and asteroids. Don’t clog the chart up to start with though. Get the essence and then gradually add in other elements IF they have something to offer the situation.

Houses – You will want to have a handle on “where” in the chart we find the other person (if another is involved). This is where you build your journal as a resource, keeping notes on the houses that rule different types of connections – 1st – Self, 2nd – Aunts and Uncles, 3rd house is siblings, 4th, a parent, 5th, first child, lovers, 6th, employee, 7th, “the other” 8th, banker, 9th, guru, teacher, 10th, boss, a parent, 11th, friends, 12th, the unknown other . . . that’s just to get you started.

Symbolism in Electional Charts

Each chart tells a story and as you practice with these electional and origin charts, you’ll start to understand what that story is.

I would love to look at one or two examples from the class to give you all a feel for how to jump in, so make note in the comments of the chart (is it a first meet, launch time or start up of a biz?) and have a link to it that everyone can click on and view. Obviously I can’t run through too many but you all can have a go. Let’s see what examples come up.

In the meantime, here is a chart of the moment. Let’s pretend it’s a first meet chart and I’m wondering “what to expect” of the energy of the connection.

Okay, now I wish I just met someone at this moment for real LOL! I didn’t time this out but really, look how cool it would be.

I’m a Gemini Sun and there it is, Gemini on the Ascendant, with the Part of Fortune. That’s me! Curious, flirty and having fun.

The chart ruler, from my perspective is Mercury, and he’s not thrilled to be in Capricorn but he’s “dignified” in the 7th house (because it is angular) and is applying to all kinds of fun aspects, ending with a trine to Jupiter and the Node. We might say that though I’d experience some shocks along the way (Mercury applying to a square to Uranus, (Yes , out of orb of 10 degrees but we are looking at all applying aspects by sign) but still, the feeling is all’s well that ends well with Jupiter node.

“They” (my hypothetical meet up person) are ruled by Jupiter (Saggo on the cusp of the 7th house of “the other”) and in his detriment (Virgo), but again, my ruler and their ruler are applying to a trine by sign. We would say that I have the better standing, the “hand” or upper hand/control, at least at the start.

The Moon is in the last hours of DARK, which isn’t what you’d plan for an electional chart. Make sure that the New Moon is complete, if you are planning an event. But still, Moon conjunct sun in the 7th bods well for this hypothetical connection. I would say we would definitely meet again, though with the dark moon and co-ruler moon square their ruler Jupiter, this intriguing other is committed elsewhere. The dark moon has a 12th house feel to it. We’d be sneaking around, for one reason or another! OR, we are collaborating on a mystery novel! Remember, keep an open mind on how the energy might play out.

All this from just looking at the rulers of the two people involved, and the co-ruler moon.

I hope it whets your appetite for more. Questions? Comments? Ideas?

Let’s talk!

If you want Kim to do an Electional Chart for you, finding the right date for a new adventure, see the Astrology Shop for Best Date Ever readings.

PS THE author to read if you want to specialize in these kinds of charts is Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson.

What the heck is the vertex?

The vertex is a theoretical point in the heavens where the ecliptic (the apparent orbit of the Sun around the earth) crosses the prime vertical. That's the plane that runs at right angles to the meridian and divides the celestial sphere from front to back. Already, it sounds fishy, right. A theoretical point?

The vertex/anti-vertex is only theoretical to the degree that the Ascendant and Midheaven are. We know the Ascendant is the point were the ecliptic intersects the horizon (instead of the prime vertical). Then there is the North and South Nodes of the Moon. They are also points of theoretical intersection. In this case, we find them were the path of the Moon rises and falls across the ecliptic. All these examples are 'imaginary' because there is nothing really out there at that point in space. No fixed star, no asteroid, no planet. Not not to forget that the ecliptic itself is the imaginary path of the Sun around the earth.

Still, I put stock in the Vertex and use it on a regular basis in chart readings. Here's why ...

FACTS

The vertex falls on the western side of the chart, with the anti-vertex found exactly 180 degrees away, on the eastern side (the Ascendant side). As with the Ascendant and Midheaven, an exact birth time is necessary to calculate the vertex. There is no point working with it unless you have one. That is the first rule.

What does the word Vertex ‘do’. First, think about what the word means. It comes from the Latin root word vertere, meaning to change, to turn, turn frequently or spin. It also can mean a crowning point, summit, top or crest. Words having this Latin root include vertebrae, (joint, having something to turn on) vertigo (dizzy, disoriented, spun out) vertical (from top to bottom) versatile (doing many things at once, to turn from one thing to another) and verticil (a circular arrangement around a fixed point, a whorl). The common theme here highlights change or movement, from one point to another, where the center remains fixed or the same.

Sparking anything yet?

Mythological correlations to the Vertex

The Roman god Vertumnus has roots in the Latin word vertere, to change, turn or spin. Vertumnus was a lesser god of gardens, fruit trees and seasons. Youthful and alluring (hot-hot-hot), he had the power to change himself into various forms, just as the seed changes from root, to branch to leaf to fruit. Vertumnus used this ability in his (hot) pursuit of the goddess Pomona.

As the myth goes, Vertumnus fell in love with the strikingly beautiful goddess Pomona. Although she rejected all suitors, he fed his passion with the sight of her by changing his form and passing her gardens daily as a soldier, a harvester, a fisherman, etc. Ignoring him, Pomona remained devoted only to the cultivation of fruit trees. Vertumnus persisted and one day he altered his form into an old woman, greeted her with a passionate kiss, and proceeded to enter her gardens.

Vertumnus, (as the matron), talked to the goddess, attempting to convince her of the rewards of relationship and the dangers of rejecting love. The qualities and integrity of the youthful god Vertumnus were discussed. Finally, “she” told Pomona the story of a young man who cruelly took his own life after being spurned by his love. She told of how the gods turned the rejecting woman into stone, but still Pomona was not persuaded.

Exasperated, Vertumnus dropped his disguise and stood naked before Pomona in his true form. She thought she was seeing the sun emerge from behind the clouds and in the glorious light of Vertumnus, she opened her heart and reciprocated his love. Together still, they attend the gardens and fruit tress of the countryside.

The Chance Moment

The theme of this myth centers on a seemingly chance moment where an outstanding event occurs. To Pomona, it was like an epiphany, a sudden turn of fate, a radical awakening of perception. To Vertumnus, it was at first a well planned strategy, then finally an act of spontaneous desperation. Imagine his surprise when Pomona finally received him!

Love, relationship and union are highlighted here, not just in the desire of Vertumnus, but also in the story he told of the young man’s rejection and the consequences that followed. The imagery of the gardens, fruit and vine add to the feeling of ripeness, an event finally ready to happen, a fruitful experience.

These are all themes you can bring to the reading of your Vertex.

How significant is it? That’s the debate, and not all astrologers agree. I like to think of the vertex as a sensitive point linked to fateful encounters with others, sudden epiphanies, turning points in life and a ‘destiny’. Activated, it can feel profound. Extraordinary.

A strongly placed natal vertex (conjunct the horizon, MC/IC, in close aspect to a personal planet, in a critical degree or in the degree of the nodes) will work with more obvious results.

Activating the Vertex

Three things can trigger or activate the vertex:

1) transits

2) other people (synastry)

3) places (astro*carto*graphy).

Transits to the vertex can bring inner and outer events corresponding to a pivotal point, significant encounter with another or a sudden change of perception. The transiting planet activates the symbolism of the vertex, coinciding with a major or minor event. Keeping orbs tight and sticking mainly to the conjunction will be more signigicant. A transiting conjunction from Mars would likely be more noticeable than a transiting trine from Uranus, although sometimes that is not the case. Be flexible. Explore! The magnitude of the effect depends on the prominence of the vertex itself, its relationship to other factors in the chart (aspects) and the occurrence of other transits happening at the same time. Along with transits, explore progressions, converse progressions and directions.

Meetings with significant people, as seen through synastry and composite charts, may also link strongly to the vertex. (Think of people as permanent transits.) When one person’s inner planets or asteroids (Sun through to Jupiter), angles, nodes, vertex or certain Arabic parts conjunct the vertex, there can be a feeling of fate, destiny, rightness or wrongness about the encounter. Something in the contact with that person may have the ability to create profound change over a long or short period of time. The change may be perceived as wonderful, or not so wonderful, but always ‘meant to be.’

Place, our location on the planet can awaken the vertex as seen through relocation charts and astro-carto-graphy. When we relocate, the vertex may become more prominent by changing house or aspect to an angle. The relocation vertex can signify places where meaningful encounters of a particular nature seem to happen more consistently.

Vertex by Sign and House

What about the sign and house position of the vertex? The house positions of the vertex/anti-vertex can offer clues as to where we may experience turning points, meetings with destiny or fateful encounters in life. As noted earlier, the vertex falls usually between the fifth and the eight house, on the western side of the chart, with the anti-vertex 180 degrees opposition.

In the fifth/eleventh house axis, there could be a propensity to experience fateful romantic or creative encounters (fifth house) through contacts with friends or groups (eleventh house). In the sixth/twelfth house axis, the turning point, or spin out, could effect our day by day living, or our link between psyche and soma (sixth house) through contact with those in the helping professions, those less fortunate or through dreams and creative fantasies (twelfth house). In the seventh/first house axis, sudden epiphanies could radically effect socially significant partnerships (seventh house) through an experience of projecting ourselves out into the world (first house). In the eighth/second house axis, destiny may arrive in the form of an erotic encounter or intense research (eighth house) perpetrated by a desire for pleasure, security or peace (second house).

The vertex/anti-vertex by sign can signify the way we may experience activation to this axis. Aries/Libra could indicate issues between personal will and sharing, where Taurus/Scorpio may be about security versus risk. Gemini/Sagittarius could contrast knowledge and vision, where Cancer/Capricorn could emphasize protection versus enterprise. The Leo/Aquarius axis might highlight self-expression as opposed to group participation where the Virgo/Pisces might compare structured boundaries and limitless communion.

Ready to check yours? Here’s the glyph and how to include it at astro.com.

Finding the Vertex

The vertex is a point in the horoscope that can indicate a sense of destiny working through another person or outstanding event. It may be stimulated by transits, progressions or directions, other people (synastry/composite) or a change of location. The house and sign position can offer clues as to where the change or turning point may take place and in what way. I encouraged you all to watch the vertex in your own chart, and in others, and work out for yourself how significant it is.

After all, we never know when Vertumnus might enter our garden in the guise of someone else, offering an unexpected turn of fate!

Calculating the Vertex: To find the Vertex by hand, you calculate the Ascendant at your co-latitude. That’s the Ascendant at 90 degrees, minus your latitude. The IC becomes the mid-heaven and, using the table of houses, you look up the “Ascendant” (Vertex) associated with the new MC and latitude. OR, you can go to Astro.com and include it in the many chart options, calculating it on line for free.

Hi Everyone, Ready to look at the Venus Synodic Cycles? It helps explain the movement from evening start to morning star, as we are about to see with the Rx period in 2017.

Most importantly, we are doing a call on this, March, 7, 5pm eastern. Check Align with the Stars calls for details. We'll be looking at your chart live!

Note, the cycles can seem a little complex, but I hope you embrace the mystery and wonder. It really is spectacular.

The Venus Synodic Cycles Explained

Don’t let the word Synodic scare you! It’s Latin for ‘hook up’ or meet, and here we mean the cycles in which Venus is conjunct with the Sun. There is a pattern. An amazing one.

Watch this tutorial on the Transits of Venusfor full understanding, definitions, animations and connections. Note: The position of Venus in this video ephemeris and astro clock is 2013-2014, but the concepts remain the same. See below for current position and upcoming retrograde in 2017.

Recap of the facts:

Every 8 years, Venus orbits the Sun 13 times while the Earth orbits the Sun eight times.

During the 8 year cycle, Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth 5 times, completing five Synodic periods, with each one lasting approximately 584 days, or 18+ months.

13 Venus revolutions equals 8 earth years equals five synodic periods, or alignments of the Earth, Venus and the Sun.

Each conjunction of Venus and the Sun happens while Venus is retrograde. It creates a point in a 5 star pentagram pattern over the 8 year period. Really amazing!

Morning and Evening Star

As in the tutorial, Venus is the Morning Star when she rising AHEAD of the sun. She’s seen as the Evening Star when she sets AFTER the sun. For 60 days between retro and direct, she’s in the underworld (Inanna) and we can’t see her at all because she’s so close to the sun, his light obscures her own.

Venus Synodic Cycles Spelled Out

Inferior Conjunction

We start the cycle with the inferior conjunction, like a New Moon phase. It happens when Venus is mid-Retro and moving very slowly ‘backwards’. She rises before the sun, and is so close we can’t see her, like a dark moon.

Morning Star

When the sun and Venus are about 10 degrees apart, (Venus rising 10 degrees AHEAD of the sun), we can see her in the pre-dawn. At this point, she is called Phosphorus orLucifer, the “light bearer.” The Morning Star.

Twenty-one days after the inferior conjunction, Venus turns direct, called Direct Station.

Thirty-six days after the inferior conjunction, Venus is most brilliant in the morning sky.

Maximum Elongation

Another thirty-six days Venus reaches its maximum distance from the Sun or Maximum Elongation (never more than 45 degrees away). At this time, Venus is moving at the same speed or faster than the sun. Catching up!

Superior Conjunction

Two-hundred and sixteen days (6 x 36 days) later, Venus reaches the superior conjunction with the Sun, when she is moving close to her maximum of speed of about 1°15′ per day. Think of this as the ‘full moon’ stage, where Venus is farthest from the Earth. She’s back in the underworld again, not visible in the morning or evening.

Evening Star

Thirty-six days after the superior conjunction, when the Sun and Venus are about ten degrees apart, Venus reappears from the underworld as the evening sky, setting AFTER the Sun.

Retrograde Station

Finally, we have thirty-six days later, the Retrograde Station that leads back, Rx, to the new synodic cycle starting with the next inferior conjunction where we can’t see her. She’s in the underworld yet again, until she moves 10 degrees AHEAD of the sun, appearing as the Morning star.

Venus Rx 2017 March 4

Now that you have that under your belt, check the Astro clock and see where Venus is now in her Synodic Cycle:

You’ll find she’s in the middle of the Synodic Cycle, post superior conjunction, with Venus at 25 Leo (today as I type) setting 24 degrees after the sun at 1 Leo. She’s our evening star, with the Maximum Elongation occurring in January 2017 with Rx Station in March 2017. By May 2017, she rises as our Morning star once again.

Fascinating Maths

584 x 5 = 365 x 8 = 2920. i.e. there are exactly 5 Venus cycles in every 8 years, and the significant points migrate slowly retrograde through the zodiac. This means that every 8 years the same Rx loop occurs at the same time of year, covering the same degrees of the zodiac. Psychologically, it represents a time of the most profound maturing of the soul through the purification of the heart. We are invited to include that which has been excluded, to make amends internally, to seek forgiveness and to process unfinished business so that we may be renewed and released.– Melanie Reinhart

Now that you have gleaned all this cool science, how do you apply it to your chart?

Applying the Venus Cycle to the Chart

First, work out which part of the Venus synodic cycles when you where born. Was she the morning star? Evening? Direct” Rx? In the underworld (invisible)? Do you connect this energy to your relationship MO? Here is a lengthy Venus Cycle PDF to work off of. And for delineations and deep details, this article by the humanistic astrologer, Michael R Myer.

Next, check the house Venus was in when the cycle began (where was the inferior conjunction before, or during, your birth?) It may have been a year or more back. Do your relationships spring from the matters of this house? Interesting, right?

Now, check your loves, family and past loves charts. Are they in the same Venus synodic cycles as your chart? Different? You may notice a kind of simpatico with ppl in the same cycle as you.

Hopefully, this will get you in touch with the connection between astrology (the symbolic and energetic correlations between the planets and person/place and things on Earth), and astronomy, the the branch of science which deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.

Let’s share our thoughts!

Extra Insights

Most of all, anyone confused about the Daily Motion of the Planets through the chart, this 2 minute tut will help. Please let me know if you have any questions. 🙂

The Midpoint Magic

Midpoints in astrology are the half-way points between two planets, points or angles in the horoscopic wheel or chart. (Like the half-way point between your Sun and Moon, or between your Ascendant and Mars.) The emphasis here is on wheel. Don't forget we are working with a 360 degree circle. It's simply geometry. Midpoints are going to be your friends, once you learn how to find them, and integrate the symbolic meaning. You'll also learn here how to find transiting midpoints and what they might mean. Let's get started!

Midpoints are plotted by finding the midway mark between two given planets or points.Watch this 8 minute video midpoint tutorial for the basics. Then we'll go through the steps, one by one.

Let's put the Midpoint Magic into practice.

If a person’s sun is 1 degree of Aries and their Venus is 1 degree of Leo, the Sun/Venus midpoint will fall in two opposing places: the nearer midpoint at 1 degree Gemini, and the farther midpoint directly opposite at 1 degree Sagittarius.

Because the horoscope is spherical (a wheel or circle with 360 degrees) and not a linear stack, there will always be two midpoints exactly 180 degrees apart for every combination of planets. One will form a shorter arc and the other a longer one. The shorter arc is generally considered stronger, though both are important.

Often it's not easy to see the midpoint at a glance and the quickest way of making an accurate list of them is to follow this simple formula:

FORMULA: Reduce the planetary positions to their degrees of the circle, add them together and divide by two

Let me explain with an example:

To find the midpoint of natal Moon and Sun when the Moon is 15 degrees Aries 18 minutes and the Sun 27 degrees Scorpio 35 minutes, we reduced the Moon to 15.18 and the Sun to 237.35. Added together equals 252.53. Divide divided by 2 gives a far midpoint of 126.26 or 6 degrees Leo 26 minutes and a nearer midpoint of the exact opposite of 6 degrees Aquarius 26 minutes. The following list reinterprets the signs into degrees of the circle making it easy to convert the degrees of the signs into a degree of the circle, and then back again.

Practice finding the Midpoint magic in your chart

I'd love everyone to pull up there charts and find their Sun/Moon midpoint now, using this method. If you get stuck, give us a shout out, in the comments.

The midpoints are a blend of the two planets involved and their sign and house placement can indicate where and how that energy can best express. For example the Sun/Moon midpoint represents a merging of yin and yang, conscious and unconscious, male and female. Where this midpoint falls in the chart can represent marriage, creative genius AND practical application, friendship and love. When it is activated by transit (Uranus on Su/Mo for example) or by another person (someone's Venus on your Su/Mo) it can 'wake up' desires for balance, harmony, creative expression, nurturing and love combined. Make sense? Reinhold Ebertin has written extensively on midpoints. If you want to delve deeper, definitely start with The Combination of Stellar Influences.

The composite or ‘relationship’ horoscope is a chart derived from the midpoints between two natal charts

It can be drawn in different ways but basically it is a chart of the midpoints between two natal horoscopes (Person A’s Sun and Person B’s Sun, Person A's Moon and Person B's Moon etc). The new planetary positions are then plotted in a third chart created from a composite (midpoint) Ascendant and Midheaven. Although the points do not represent any specific moment in time like a natal or even progressed chart does, it symbolically reflects the nature of the relationship, an entity unto itself. So if you work with composite charts, you are already using midpoints.

Homework for Midpoint Magic

1. Find two midpoints in your natal chart, the Sun/Moon and the Venus/Jupiter. Plot them in your chart. You will now have FOUR new points in the chart involving two PAIRS of houses. Think about that this might mean in terms of Su/Mo- relationship, self-love, love, partnership, friendship, and Ve/Ju - Joy, happiness, expansion, abundance, core values.

Note if there are any planets conjunct these midpoints. What influence would that bring.

Note if there are any transits coming up to these midpoints.

2. Finally, pick two TRANSITING planets that interest you and find their midpoints. Where do those fall in your chart. For example, Mars at 6 Saggo and Saturn at 9 Saggo make the Ma/Sa midpoint 7.5 Saggo and 7.5 Gemini. That would be an area of YOUR chart where you are driving with the brakes on.

3. When you get a handle on finding midpoints by hand, you can double check your work by clicking on your chart at Astro.com, then click Extended Chart Selection. From there, click on PULLEN/ASTROLOG and Aspects/midpoint grid chart.

Let me know what you discover, or if you need help with the maths.

This is an excellent tool for your astro-toolbox so I hope you all give it a go.

(If you have a strong horary question you want Kim to read, check out the options in the Astrology Shop.)

Horary Astrology is a deep and ancient practice, not learned in a single sitting, so don’t panic if you feel lost in places. This tutorial is to help you understand what Horary Astrology is, how it works and some of the rules to reading these incredibly insightful charts. If you’re interested in learning more, it’s a lifetime’s study, and very rewarding.

Horary comes from the Greek hora or “hourly”, the root used in words like horoscope and horometry – art of the measurement of time.

The first step in understanding horary astrology is to consider what the astrological chart is: a moment of time depicted in symbolic form. This horo-scope (looking at the hour) can be cast for a person, place or thing. In the case of Horary, it is the chart of a QUESTION and in the chart of the question is always the answer.

How does that work?

Because like attracts like, whatever is ‘born’ at a certain moment in time has a relationship to that moment’s energy signature. In other words, it is a reflection or ‘trail’ of the energy. Note: The chart reflects the natural expression of a person, place or thing, not the other way around. So, I’m not communicative because I was born with the sun Gemini. I was born with Sun and Mercury in Gemini because I am communicative.

In the case of the Horary chart, we can see this link very clearly. Question and answer, like two sides to the same coin, are contained in the energy of the moment it is asked. That energy is symbolized by the astrological chart. Have a burning question? When it’s ripe, you ask it, wording it clearly, and create a chart for that date, time and place. If a client asks the question, you do a chart for the moment you HEAR it (or read it in an email) and set the PLACE for THEIR location. That’s the horary chart set up, plain and simple.

Now comes the complexities. There are strict rules about reading a horary chart, the most important being, you can’t ask the same question twice (it’s like tarot in this instance) unless something major has changed in the situation.

The next three rules you can commit to memory. They determine if the chart of your questions is “Radical and fit to read.” Using the chart above as the example, let’s see if it’s readable as a Horary Chart:

You must have more than 3 degrees and less than 27 degrees on the Ascendant? Check. (If there are less than three degrees, we say, “It’s too soon to tell.” If More than 27 degrees, “It’s too late to tell.” There are exceptions, but learn this rule first.

The moon must be applying to one or more planets (ie NOT Void of Course). If VOC, the answer is immediate, “Nothing to worry about, or nothing will come of the question.” Because there are no applying aspects, no action will follow.

Saturn is NOT in the 7th house (if so, there is something wrong with the question, timing or astrologer).

Follow along with me and let’s check the example chart.

1) 7 degrees on the Asc – CHECK.

2) Moon applying to Mars and the Sun, CHECK.

3) Saturn is not in the 7th, CHECK.

We are good to go.

Now, to the question. Let’s say this question was from a client who had lost there cat. They asked “Where is my missing cat?” You want to phrase the question as specifically as possible. Vague questions yield vague answers, so make them tight. If someone is asking you face to face or in real time, dialog with them until it’s as specific as possible.

With horary, you need to know, or look up, your rulerships. With missing possessions, we focus on the 2nd house (the house of ‘movable things’), and for a missing pet, we focus on the 6th house. That means we check the ruler of the 6th, the co-ruler Moon, the natural ruler Mercury and the dispositorof the Part of Fortune. If any of these are angular (in houses 1, 4, 7, or 10) the missing kitty is near the home or where she ‘ought’ to be. In this case, the dispositor of the POF is Mercury, and Mercury itself (natural ruler of the 6th) is in the 10th house so the animal isn’t so much lost/stolen but has hidden herself. (When I drew up this chart, I did ask the question, “Where is Ra?” my cat, who wasn’t in any of the usual places.)

Finding the cat

In horary charts, where you find the planet that rules the question,you find the answer, or missing putty-tat. In this case Jupiter traditionally rules Pisces, found on the 6th house cusp. Jupiter is in the 11th house, so I take the directions of the compass as it related to the chart (where the 1st house is East and the 10th is South) and go to the SSE area of the home/yard (the 11th house ids SSE). Kitty will be in that quadrant. Then I look South by West (for Virgo) and ground level for Earth signs. Because Jupiter is near a cusp, we know to look near a gate, door or window. Again,my kit isn’t actually missing, but I have no idea where he is right now. Hang tight while I go look specifically where the chart has indicated.

Ta-Da! Okay, sure enough, Ra was asleep on a pile of leaves on the ground, in the SSE quadrant of the yard, SSW corner, of that quadrant, tucked up next to the gate post – hidden from view and slightly annoyed at being awakened.

Usually, if the pet is missing, you won’t find indicators that place them in the home, like this example, but ask Mystic about it. I have ‘found’ her missing cat on more than a few occasions. There are ways to work out how many miles/KM they are from the last known whereabouts, if another person has them etc etc.

Example Horary Astrology Questions

Another example, and common question for horary is, “Will this relationship be the one?”

To answer this questions, after you check the first three indicators, you look to the relationship between the ruler of the 1st (the person asking the questions) and the ruler of the 7th (the ‘other’). If there is no applying aspect, not much is connecting them, but we also check the co-ruler moon (the moon is always the co-ruler of any question) and if there is an aspect between moon and the rulers of the questions, you have a bond, of some kind. In this example case, it’s not ideal, unless you like to be challenged!

The rulers of the Asc and 7th houses are Mars and Venus. Venus is applying to a square, but, you have to check if she will complete the square before Mars changes signs. We do that by checking the ephemeris. And, no. Mars moves out of sign before Venus can complete the exact square. We can’t count it.

But, we have the co-ruler moon making a square from Aquarius, and the moon will complete the aspect before Mars moves even a degree. We can say, just from this, that the relationship is intense, challenging, possibly compulsive, and may not be headed in the direction the client wants it to go. But if both people have a strong Mars/Aries, like their connections with a bit of clash, it can be great. It’s not everyone’s favorite though. Both rulers (Venus and Mars) are angular so no ones backing down here. To know how the client feels about the outcome, we check the final aspect of the moon before she goes VOC. In this case, it’s inconjunct (150 degrees) to the Sun, suggesting things take a sudden and different turn, a detour. A third person could be involved. (perhaps there is a child, aging parent or ex to consider).

To know what underlying emotion triggered the question, look to the moons previous conjunction, no matter how far back you have to go. In the example chart, that previous conjunction of the moon was Pluto in the third (and here I am teaching (3rd house) occult material (Pluto)) Cool, right?

For more overview of Horary Astrology and the law of attraction, listen in to the first 10 minute of this GVA recording.

Horary Astrology 101 Summary

Through the positions of the planets, the question, it’s background, and where the energy is currently headed is fully described. It works like this:

Everything is energy.

Energy vibrates.

The signature of the vibration is a perfect match to the moment of ‘birth’ be it a person, business, relationship or idea.

Basically, the symbolism in the chart reflects the energy of the manifestation, and we can learn how to ‘read’ that energy, via the horoscope. Reading the Horary chart is less interpretive than it sounds. There are ancient, and very specific rules to the craft. Learn them, and you’ll be amazed at the information embedded in a single moment of time.

If you want to pursue this branch of astrology, find yourself a copy of the master, Ivy Goldstein Jacobson. If you have a question or want to play with ‘turning the chart’ let’s do that here with this example. (Turning the Wheel: This is where you want to know, for example, about your daughter’s relationships and we turn the chart to put the 5th house (children) on the Asc, which makes the 11th house the new 7th. Better news for this “daughter” and her BF as Saturn (ruler of the new Asc) is trine the sun by sign, (ruler of the new 7th) but out of orb. The co-ruler moon is inconjunct, meaning there is a strain, or consideration from a 3rd party … Maybe the inquiring mother?) Fun stuff!